Los Angeles Lakers D-League team D-Fenders hires former NBA coach Eric Musselman: NBA Update
Former head coach of the Sacramento Kings and Golden State Warriors, Eric Musselman has been appointed as the new coach of the Los Angeles Lakers’ NBA Development-League team D-Fenders.
The 46 year old coach was jubilant to be a part of the organization. "I'm excited to be joining a first class organization like the D-Fenders. Our staff will work hard to develop young players for the next level while at the same time being an extremely competitive team."
The team made the announcement on Thursday and completed the circle of working in different capacities with almost every franchise in the California region.
Musselman said, “I remember growing up in San Diego and going to sleep listening to Chick Hearn do Laker games on the radio and was a die-hard Lakers fan as a young kid. How many San Diego kids get a chance to work for four pro organizations in California? I feel blessed to be able to work in the state we as a family love so much.”
Team President Joey Buss said in a statement that Musselman holds a vast experience both in the NBA and D-League. He expressed his delight over this new addition hoped that a successful season will beckon for the Fenders with Eric in-charge.
The D-Fenders are making a comeback after a break of one year and it will be a challenge for Musselman to guide the team in the right direction. In the previous season, Musselman coached the Reno Bighorns, who were affiliated with both the Kings and Warriors. Under the coaching of Musselman, the Bighorns secured a berth in the D-League playoffs. Currently Musselman is engaged with the national team of Venezuela
Venezuela began his career from the Clippers organization. He got his first chance to coach a team came in 2002 when the Warriors hired him as head coach. Musselman remained with them from 2002-04 and had a decent season with them. In his last season, Musselman and the Golden State achieved a record of 37-45 and was consequently fired.
After getting fired by the Warriors, Musselman joined Memphis Grizzlies as an assistant coach and spent two seasons with them. In 2006, he got another opportunity to become the head coach of Sacramento, but Musselman failed to impress the franchise with his work. He was dismissed after just one season during which the team achieved a record of 33-49
As far as minor leagues are concerned, Musselman remained with the Rapid City Thrillers from 1989-1995, then stayed with the Florida Sharks for one season, lastly coached Florida/West Palm Beach Dogs, with whom he served for seven years and attained a exceptional record of 270-122. During his tenure from 1990 to 1997 24 players were called for NBA, which is the highest number of that span.
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